i own nothing

this chapter is basically a filler... so it's kinda short.. but it needed to happen for the next chapter :)

Chapter 13: Plans

EPOV

Rule 1.

Follow her lead. If she wants a friend, be her friend. If she wants more, be more.

Rule 2.

Do not force her to do anything. Note: Suggesting is not forcing. – James.

Rule 3.

Do not stalk her. That includes constantly calling – No matter how much you want to – and showing up randomly at her house. Note: Even though you should. – James.

Rule 4.

If she says leave her alone, leave her alone. Don't pressure her. (See previous rules.)

---

James thought it would be funny to tape the rules onto the mirror in the bathroom.

"A constant reminder of how stupid you are," he wrote at the top.

In the end, I didn't let James have too much input on the plan or the rules. His idea of winning Bella over was… well… very James like.

Enough said.

That just didn't seem too romantic or Bella-like to me.

So the plan was to show Bella how much I cared about her…

… Without actually telling her.

Because after the weekend she had, I'm sure me blurting out 'I love you' would not help her any.

That is why I have the rules.

I spent my Sunday thinking about Bella, working, trying to follow the rules, ignoring James, thinking about Bella, actually writing her song while thinking about her again and finally, dreaming about Bella.

It's sad, but it's true.

She consumes my every minute, my every thought now.

Along with constantly thinking about her, I ended up spending a lot of time in my room since my pillows and blankets still smelled like her.

It's sick, but it's also true.

Every time she drifted across my mind, every time I took a breath of her scent, I had to mentally slap myself and repeat the rules in my head.

But no matter how many times I scolded myself, it never stopped.

She was like a drug.

And I was addicted.

Badly.

Monday morning started out the same way Sunday had.

I woke up to Bella's scent, even though it was starting to grow faint, I played piano for a few hours, mostly her song, and then I got ready for work.

But that's where the similarities stopped.

I was just about to leave for work when the phone rang.

Great, now I'm gonna be late.

"Hello?" I snapped.

"Edward?" a small voice answered.

"Bella?" Shit, of course it had to be her I snapped at.

"Is this a bad time?" she asked.

"No! No, I… I'm sorry, I-I just uh... is… is everything alright? Are you ok?" I said as I smacked my forehead.

Idiot. Idiot. Idiot.

"Oh, yeah I'm fine. I just… called to tell you that my friend called back. You know… the lawyer."

"Oh?" I managed to say.

"Yeah and um… I'm going to meet with him Thursday. He wanted to look over any papers to… you know… check everything out… make sure it's legit."

I could almost hear her biting her lip.

Focus Edward.

"Y-yeah… that's… that's probably not a bad idea."

The longer the conversation went on, the more I could feel my plan fall apart.

"Yeah… but um… I don't have any of them… so…"

"Oh! Right! Yeah, I um… I just found them yesterday… so uh… do you want me to drop them off?" I said as my heart started to race at the thought of seeing her again.

It's not breaking rule 3 if she knows, right?

"Actually um… I have to get out today anyway… so I can… pick them up."

"Um," I choked out as my heart instantly stopped. Damn work. "I'm… actually… working today… so…"

"Oh," she said, almost sounding… disappointed.

Quick, fix this!

"But," I said a little too loud. "I have a half hour break at 2. So, we could meet for a late lunch… and talk… if you want to."

"Yeah, sure!" she said with a happier tone. "It's La Bella Italia, right?"

"Right!" I squeaked.

That's right.

I squeaked.

Pull yourself together! My head screamed.

"So I'll see you at 2?" she asked.

"Definitely!" I squeaked again.

Damn it.

"Okay," she laughed. "I'll see you later."

"Yeah… see you later." I said as I quickly hung up the phone before I could embarrass myself anymore.

"Was that Bella?" James asked as he came out of his room.

"Yeah," I answered, even though I knew he was listening.

"And?" he pressed.

"I'm gonna meet her during my break for lunch."

He nodded. "So are you still sticking to your plan?"

"Yes James," I rolled my eyes and turned to leave.

"You're an idiot," he yelled as I closed the door.

I know.